Sunday Stretch: Vol. 11

Start off your week with a grounded take on Bible, prayer, the world, and your life ...

Good morning, Sunday Stretch readers! I hope those of you reading in the U.S. had a blessed and somewhat relaxing Thanksgiving, with plenty of time with ones you love.

I know that many of you likely have non-traditional jobs or jobs that require you to work around the holiday, and I hope that you were treated with kindness and respect — and that you did get a moment of respite sometime during the weekend.

I also pray you had a moment to remember Thanksgivings of the past, and to honor the memory of your loved ones who have died.

Today is the first Sunday of Advent, and it’s almost a shame that we go so quickly from the turkey of Thanksgiving to the candles of Advent. I know that at church it’s always a quick turnaround to the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, and I’m grateful that we’ve decided to can postpone the full Christmas decorating until after this Sunday’s service.

My refrain every year in the time of Advent is don’t miss Advent. Don’t miss the hope, the joy, the peace, the love. Light some candles around a makeshift wreath. Read again the promises of Isaiah for the coming Messiah. Dwell together in the darkness and quiet and remember the carols (I don’t mind if you skip ahead to “Christmas” music as opposed to only Advent hymns).

I know every Sunday night I tend to be kind of exhausted, but nonetheless we always round up the kids and make sure we light candles, read some Bible passages, and sing and pray together. The kids now actually look forward to the tradition. It doesn’t have to be Sunday nights, either — do what works for you. And my hope is maybe these Sunday Stretch readings over the next four weeks can help you prepare for an Advent full of hope, joy, peace and love.

Our theme this week is HOPE.